Image forming apparatus, job execution system, and job execution method

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus includes: a receiving portion that receives an authentication print job sent by a user; a comparison portion that compares identification information received through the user&#39;s input with identification information included in image data; a job execution portion that executes the authentication print job in the case where the comparison between the received identification information and the identification information included in the image data has succeeded; and a password storage portion that stores identification information in the case where the authentication print job is in the process of being received in order to enable the comparison made by the comparison portion with respect to the authentication print job that is being received.

This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2008-159503filed on Jun. 18, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as anMFP, a job execution system, and a job execution method.

2. Description of the Related Art

In addition to image forming apparatuses that form images, such ascopiers, printers, and facsimiles, multi-function devices called MFPs(Multi Function Peripherals) have conventionally been used in companyoffices and the like.

Recently, controlling information processing devices (i.e. personalcomputers) to operate only when an IC card has been inserted in thedevice has been proposed as a technique for preventing unauthorizedaccess (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-331234).

A sensitive document printing method is an example of a method to whichsuch a technique is applied. In this method, when an authenticationprint job has been sent to an image forming apparatus from a terminaldevice, the user that sent the job inputs a user ID and password usingan operation panel of the image forming apparatus. If the authenticationprocess is a success, the print output commences. Note that“authentication print job” refers to a print job that is executed whenthe user that sent the print job from a terminal device to an imageforming apparatus has performed a predetermined authentication operationusing an operation panel of the image forming apparatus and thatauthentication process has succeeded.

In addition to the case where the authentication process is executed bythe user inputting a user ID and a password via an operation panel,there are also cases where the user performs a predetermined operationusing an authentication apparatus, such as an IC card authenticationapparatus or a finger vein authentication apparatus, thereby executingan authentication process. Furthermore, there are cases where the userperforms authentication by inputting the job ID of the authenticationprint job along with a password, thereby executing the authenticationprint job.

However, the authentication process is not executed in the case wherethe user that sent the authentication print job performs a predeterminedauthentication operation using the image forming apparatus but theauthentication print job has not yet been received, or in other words,is in the process of being received. For this reason, it is necessaryfor the user to wait for time to pass and then once again perform theauthentication operation, which is extremely troublesome.

SUMMARY

Having been achieved in light of such problems, it is an object of thepresent invention to make it possible to perform print output with lesstrouble than is conventionally possible.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an image formingapparatus is configured to execute an authentication print job that isto be executed based on an authentication result. The image formingapparatus includes a receiving portion receiving the authenticationprint job sent by a user, an image data storage portion storing imagedata of the authentication print job, an accepting portion receivingfirst identification information, the first identification informationbeing inputted by the user, a comparison portion performing comparisonbetween the first identification information and second identificationinformation, the second identification information being included in theimage data stored in the image data storage portion, a job executionportion executing the authentication print job when the comparison hasshown that the first identification information matches the secondidentification information, an identification information storageportion storing the first identification information, and a controllercausing, when the authentication print job is being received by thereceiving portion, the identification information storage portion tostore the first identification information to enable the comparisonportion to perform the comparison on the authentication print job thatis being received.

Preferably, the identification information storage portion may store thefirst identification information until the receiving portion hascompleted reception of the authentication print job.

Further, the image forming apparatus may include a display portiondisplaying, when the authentication print job is being received by thereceiving portion, a message indicating that the comparison portionrepeats the comparison after completion of reception of theauthentication print job.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configurationof a job execution system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardwareconfiguration of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functionalconfiguration of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screendisplayed in a display portion of an operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a jobexecution process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the flow of a jobexecution process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of the flow of ajob execution process according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of the flow of ajob execution process according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following describes a case in which an image forming apparatus,called an MFP or Multi Function Peripheral, which is a processing devicethat integrates a variety of functions, such as copying, scanning,faxing, network printing, document server functionality, is used.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configurationof a job execution system 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exampleof the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 2; FIG. 3 isa diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of theimage forming apparatus 2; and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating anexample of a warning screen displayed in a display portion 21 of anoperation panel 20 f.

As shown in FIG. 1, the job execution system 1 is configured of multipleimage forming apparatuses 2 (2A, 2B, and so on), a terminal device 3, amanagement device (server) 4, a communication line TC, and so on. A LAN,the Internet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like may be usedas the communication line TC. In such a job execution system 1, theimage forming apparatuses 2, the terminal device 3, and the managementdevice 4 are connected to one another via the communication line TC.

The terminal device 3 is a client of the image forming apparatuses 2,and is a device for using scanner, fax, box, PC printing, and otherfunctions provided by the image forming apparatuses 2.

Each image forming apparatus 2 can be installed in the office of apublic body (a governmental body, a local authority, or the like) or abusiness, a public facility such as a school or a library, or in otherlocations, and can be shared by multiple users.

As shown in FIG. 2, each image forming apparatus 2 is configured of aCPU 20 a, a RAM 20 b, a ROM 20 c, a hard disk 20 d, a control circuit 20e, the operation panel 20 f, a scanner 20 g, a printing portion (engine)20 h, a LAN interface 20 j, a fax modem 20 k, and the like.

The control circuit 20 e is a circuit for controlling the hard disk 20d, the operation panel 20 f, the scanner 20 g, the printing portion 20h, the LAN interface 20 j, and the fax modem 20 k.

The scanner 20 g optically reads an image of content such as text,equations, symbols, photographs, diagrams, and illustrations written ona document, and generates image data thereof.

The printing portion 20 h prints an image based on the image dataobtained by the scanner 20 g onto a recording medium such as paper.

The LAN interface 20 j is a NIC (Network Interface Card) forcommunicating with other image forming apparatuses 2, and is used toconnect the image forming apparatus 2 to a hub or a router.

The fax modem 20 k is a device for communicating with another imageforming apparatus 2, a fax terminal, or the like through a fax protocol.

The operation panel 20 f is configured of the display portion 21, whichis in turn configured of a touch panel-type liquid-crystal display andshall be described later, and an operation portion (not shown)configured of a numerical keypad and the like. A screen for providingmessages, instructions, and the like to a user, a screen through whichthe user inputs his or her desired type of process and processingconditions, and a screen for displaying the results of processesexecuted by the CPU 20 a and the like are examples of screens displayedin the display portion 21.

By operating the display portion 21 or the operation portion whileviewing the abovementioned screens, the user can provide instructions tothe image forming apparatus 2 to commence or stop the execution ofprocessing, specify processing conditions such as the destination ofdata, printing conditions, or scanning conditions, and specify variousother items. In other words, the operation panel 20 f plays the role ofa user interface by which the user operates the image forming apparatus2.

As shown in FIG. 3, each image forming apparatus 2 is configured of apassword database 22, a password storage portion 23, a controller 24, acommunication portion 25, and a receiving portion 26. The controller 24includes a comparison portion 241, a job execution portion 242, and areception determination portion 243. These constituent elements arerealized by the abovementioned CPU 20 a, RAM 20 b, ROM 20 c, or othersuch circuit elements. A computer program for implementing the variousfunctions of these constituent elements is stored in the RAM 20 b, theROM 20 c, or the like.

First, the receiving portion 26 receives an authentication print jobfrom the terminal device 3 via the communication portion 25. Theauthentication print job is a print job executed when the user that sentthe print job (image data, print instructions, and so on) from theterminal device 3 to the image forming apparatus 2 has performed apredetermined authentication operation (inputting a user ID andpassword, a job ID and password, or the like) through the operationpanel 20 f or an authentication device such as a biometricauthentication device provided in the image forming apparatus 2 and thatauthentication process has been successful.

The controller 24 stores the image data relating to the authenticationprint job received by the receiving portion 26 in the hard disk 20 d.

Here, the image data relating to the authentication print job includes auser ID, which is user identification information, and a password. Inother words, the user ID, password, and a body (main data) make up asingle piece of image data. The user ID and password are embedded at thetop of the image data, and the body is attached thereafter.

Therefore, the receiving portion 26 receives the user ID and passwordincluded in the image data sent from the terminal device 3 first, andthen receives the body thereafter.

The controller 24 causes an input screen, for the user to input his orher user ID and password, to be displayed in the display portion 21.

The controller 24 then checks whether or not the user has inputted hisor her user ID and password through the operation panel 20 f. If theuser ID and password have been inputted by the user, the comparisonportion 241 determines whether or not the image data corresponding tothe inputted user ID and password is stored in the hard disk 20 d.

Then, if the image data corresponding to the inputted user ID andpassword is stored in the hard disk 20 d, the job execution portion 242causes the printing portion 20 h to print an image based on that imagedata onto paper.

However, if image data corresponding to the inputted user ID andpassword is not yet stored in the hard disk 20 d, the receptiondetermination portion 243 checks whether or not the receiving portion 26is in the process of receiving image data.

In the case where the receiving portion 26 is in the process ofreceiving image data, the controller 24 stores the user ID and passwordinputted by the user in the password database 22 and the passwordstorage portion 23.

Furthermore, when the reception of image data by the receiving portion26 has been completed, or when the user ID and password informationincluded in image data has been received despite the receiving portion26 being in the process of receiving that image data, the comparisonportion 241 compares the user ID and password received by the receivingportion 26 with the user IDs and passwords stored in the passwordstorage portion 23.

Here, as described above, because the receiving portion 26 receives theuser ID and password included in the image data sent from the terminaldevice 3 prior to receiving the body, the comparison portion 241 canperform the comparison even if the image data has not been completelyreceived by the receiving portion 26.

Note that in the present embodiment, image data is sent using PJLcommands. PJL is a printing command language (developed by HewlettPackard) that provides functionality for controlling print jobs that arebeing processed by a printing device. Through this, it can be understoodthat the sending of the user ID, password, and body has commenced, andthus it can also be understood that the reception of the user ID andpassword has been completed. The comparison portion 241 can thereforecarry out the comparison.

In the case where the user ID and password received by the receivingportion 26 match a user ID and password stored in the password storageportion 23, the controller 24 causes the printing portion 20 h to printan image based on the stated image data onto paper.

Here, in the case where the image data is in the process of beingreceived, the controller 24 causes a message to be displayed in thedisplay portion 21, indicating that the image data has not beencompletely received and that the user ID and password comparison will beperformed again once the image data has been completely received; thismessage is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, the user presses an OKbutton 21 a upon visually checking the display portion 21. However, inthe case where the user does not wish to carry out the user ID andpassword comparison after the image data has been completely received bythe receiving portion 26, s/he presses a cancel button 21 b. Doing socancels the authentication print job.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a jobexecution process according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the user ID and password input screen isdisplayed in the display portion 21 (#1). When a user ID and passwordhave been inputted by the user (Yes in #2), it is determined whether ornot image data corresponding to the inputted user ID and password isstored in the hard disk 20 d (#3).

In the case where corresponding image data is stored in the hard disk 20d (Yes in #3), the target image data is listed up (#4), and images basedon that image data are printed onto paper (#5). In the case where theprinting is not complete (No in #6), the printing process of #5 iscontinued.

Meanwhile, in the case where corresponding image data is not stored inthe hard disk 20 d (No in #3), it is determined whether or not imagedata is in the process of being received (#7).

In the case where image data is in the process of being received (Yes in#7), the user ID and password inputted in #2 are stored (held) (#8).

Then, in the case where the reception of the image data has beencompleted or the apparatus has entered a state in which it is capable ofcomparison, or in other words, in the case where the user ID andpassword information included in the image data has been received (Yesin #9), it is determined whether or not the received image datacorresponds to the user ID and password stored in #8 (#10).

In the case where the received image data corresponds (Yes in #10), theaforementioned processes of #4, #5, and #6 are executed. However, in thecase where the received image data does not correspond (No in #10), theprocess returns to #1. Note that the process may also return to #7 afterthe process of #10 (No in #10), rather than returning to #1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the flow of a jobexecution process according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 6, the processes of #21 to #26 are the same as theaforementioned processes of #1 to #6. In other words, first, the user IDand password input screen is displayed in the display portion 21 (#21).When a user ID and password have been inputted by the user (Yes in #22),it is determined whether or not image data corresponding to the inputteduser ID and password is stored in the hard disk 20 d (#23).

In the case where corresponding image data is stored in the hard disk 20d (Yes in #23), the target image data is listed up (#24), and imagesbased on that image data are printed onto paper (#25). In the case wherethe printing is not complete (No in #26), the printing process of #25 iscontinued.

Meanwhile, in the case where corresponding image data is not stored inthe hard disk 20 d (No in #23), it is determined whether or not imagedata is in the process of being received (#27).

In the case where image data is in the process of being received (Yes in#27), the controller 24 begins measuring time (#28). The warning screenmentioned above with reference to FIG. 4 is then displayed in thedisplay portion 21 (#29).

Next, the user ID and password inputted in #22 are stored (held) (#30).

Here, in the case where the cancel button 21 b has been pressed by theuser (Yes in #31), the process returns to #21. However, in the casewhere the cancel button 21 b has not been pressed by the user (No in#31), it is determined whether or not the reception of the image datahas been completed or the apparatus has entered a state in which it iscapable of comparison, or in other words, if the user ID and passwordinformation included in the image data has been received (#32).

In the case where the image data has been completely received, or thecase where the user ID and password information included in the imagedata has been received (Yes in #32), it is determined whether or not apredetermined amount of time has elapsed since the controller 24commenced the measurement (#33).

In the case where the predetermined amount of time has elapsed since thecontroller 24 commenced the measurement (Yes in #33), the process forcomparing the user ID and password is cancelled (#34), and the processreturns to #21.

However, in the case where the predetermined amount of time has notelapsed since the controller 24 commenced the measurement (No in #33),it is determined whether or not the received image data corresponds tothe user ID and password stored in #30 (#35).

In the case where the received image data corresponds (Yes in #35), theaforementioned processes of #24, #25, and #26 are executed. However, inthe case where the received image data does not correspond (No in #35),the process returns to #21. Note that the process may also return to #27after the process of #35 (No in #35), rather than returning to #21.

Effects of the Present Embodiment

In the present embodiment, even if, when the user that has sent anauthentication print job from the terminal device 3 to the image formingapparatus 2 inputs his or her user ID and password using the operationpanel 20 f, the image forming apparatus 2 has not yet commenced thereception of the image data relating to that authentication print job,or the reception of that image data has not yet been completed, theinputted user ID and password information is not discarded. Instead, theinputted user ID and password are held (stored) until the comparableinformation included in the image data, or in other words, the user IDand password, are received. The comparison process is executed onceagain when the user ID and password can be received.

According to such a method, the user does not need to input his or heruser ID and password again.

Therefore, in the case where the image data relating to anauthentication print job has not yet been received when the user hasperformed a predetermined authentication operation, the print output canbe carried out with less trouble than with the conventional method, inwhich the authentication information based on the authenticationoperation is discarded.

Furthermore, because it is not necessary to input the user ID andpassword again, the chance of the user sustaining mental stress such asannoyance or anxiety is lessened.

Other Embodiments

In the above embodiment, a user ID and password are inputted asidentification information when performing an authentication process foran authentication print job. However, as described hereinafter, a job IDand password may be inputted as well.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the flow of a jobexecution process according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, a job ID and password input screen is displayed inthe display portion 21 (#41). When a job ID and password have beeninputted by the user (Yes in #42), it is determined whether or not imagedata corresponding to the inputted job ID and password is stored in thehard disk 20 d (#43).

In the case where corresponding image data is stored in the hard disk 20d (Yes in #43), the target image data is listed up (#44), and imagesbased on that image data are printed onto paper (#45). In the case wherethe printing is not complete (No in #46), the printing process of #45 iscontinued.

Meanwhile, in the case where corresponding image data is not stored inthe hard disk 20 d (No in #43), it is determined whether or not imagedata is in the process of being received (#47).

In the case where image data is in the process of being received (Yes in#47), the job ID and password inputted in #42 are stored (held) (#48).

Then, in the case where the reception of the image data has beencompleted or the apparatus has entered a state in which it is capable ofcomparison, or in other words, in the case where the job ID and passwordinformation included in the image data has been received (Yes in #49),it is determined whether or not the received image data corresponds tothe job ID and password stored in #48 (#50).

In the case where the received image data corresponds (Yes in #50), theaforementioned processes of #44, #45, and #46 are executed. However, inthe case where the received image data does not correspond (No in #50),the process returns to #41. Note that the process may also return to #47after the process of #50 (No in #50), rather than returning to #41.Furthermore, although the image data listed up in the process of #44 maybe printed as-is, it is also possible to first display that data in ascreen and allow the user to select the data to print.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the flow of a jobexecution process according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 8, the processes of #61 to #66 are the same as theaforementioned processes of #41 to #46. In other words, first, the jobID and password input screen is displayed in the display portion 21(#61). When a job ID and password have been inputted by the user (Yes in#62), it is determined whether or not image data corresponding to theinputted job ID and password is stored in the hard disk 20 d (#63).

In the case where corresponding image data is stored in the hard disk 20d (Yes in #63), the target image data is listed up (#64), and imagesbased on that image data are printed onto paper (#65). In the case wherethe printing is not complete (No in #66), the printing process of #65 iscontinued.

Meanwhile, in the case where corresponding image data is not stored inthe hard disk 20 d (No in #63), it is determined whether or not imagedata is in the process of being received (#67).

In the case where image data is in the process of being received (Yes in#67), the controller 24 begins measuring time (#68). The warning screenmentioned above with reference to FIG. 4 is then displayed in thedisplay portion 21 (#69).

Next, the job ID and password inputted in #62 are stored (held) (#70).

Here, in the case where the cancel button 21 b has been pressed by theuser (Yes in #71), the process returns to #61. However, in the casewhere the cancel button 21 b has not been pressed by the user (No in#71), it is determined whether or not the reception of the image datahas been completed or the apparatus has entered a state in which it iscapable of comparison, or in other words, if the job ID and passwordinformation included in the image data has been received (#72).

In the case where the image data has been completely received, or thecase where the job ID and password information included in the imagedata has been received (Yes in #72), it is determined whether or not apredetermined amount of time has elapsed since the controller 24commenced the measurement (#73).

In the case where the predetermined amount of time has elapsed since thecontroller 24 commenced the measurement (Yes in #73), the process forcomparing the job ID and password is cancelled (#74), and the processreturns to #61.

However, in the case where the predetermined amount of time has notelapsed since the controller 24 commenced the measurement (No in #73),it is determined whether or not the received image data corresponds tothe job ID and password stored in #70 (#75).

In the case where the received image data corresponds (Yes in #75), theaforementioned processes of #64, #65, and #66 are executed. However, inthe case where the received image data does not correspond (No in #75),the process returns to #61. Note that the process may also return to #67after the process of #75 (No in #75), rather than returning to #61.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case where theimage data corresponding to the user ID and password inputted by theuser is stored in the hard disk 20 d of the image forming apparatus 2,the image data may instead be stored in the management device 4.

In such a case, when a user ID and password have been inputted by theuser, the controller 24 inquires with the management device 4 as towhether or not image data that can be compared with the user ID andpassword is present in the management device 4.

Then, in the case where image data that can be compared, or in otherwords, image data that includes a user ID and password, is present inthe management device 4, the receiving portion 26 receives that imagedata from the management device 4.

If the received image data corresponds to the inputted user ID andpassword, the printing portion 20 h prints images based on that imagedata onto paper.

However, in the case where image data that can be compared is notpresent in the management device 4, the controller 24 periodically makesthe abovementioned inquiry to the management device 4. If image datathat can be compared is stored in the management device 4, the receivingportion 26 receives that image data from the management device 4. If thereceived image data corresponds to the inputted user ID and password,the printing portion 20 h prints images based on that image data ontopaper.

Furthermore, although the comparison process is executed within theimage forming apparatus 2 in the above embodiment, a password storageportion may be provided in the management device 4, and the comparisonprocess may then be executed within the management device 4.

Further still, although the above embodiment describes a case where thepredetermined authentication operation corresponds to the user input ofa user ID and password using the operation panel 20 f, an authenticationdevice such as an IC card authentication device or a finger veinauthentication device may be provided in the image forming apparatus 2,and the predetermined authentication operation may be performed usingthat authentication device.

Finally, in the case where the reception of the image data relating tothe authentication print job has not been commenced at the point in timewhen the user has inputted a user ID and password, the user may benotified, via an email or the like, that the reception of the image datahas commenced upon the reception of the image data commencing.

Note that the configuration, processing content, processing order, andso on of the image forming apparatus 2 in its entirety or the variousconstituent elements included therein may be altered as appropriatewithin the spirit of the present invention. The abovementioned uniqueand distinguished effects can be attained in such a case as well.

While example embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be understood that the present invention is notlimited thereto, and that various changes and modifications may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus configured to executean authentication print job, the authentication print job to be executedbased on an authentication result, the image forming apparatuscomprising: a receiving portion receiving the authentication print jobsent by a user; an image data storage portion storing image dataincluded in the authentication print job; an accepting portion receivingfirst identification information, the first identification informationbeing inputted by the user; a comparison portion performing comparisonbetween the first identification information and second identificationinformation, the second identification information being included in theimage data stored in the image data storage portion; a job executionportion executing the authentication print job when the comparison hasshown that the first identification information matches the secondidentification information; an identification information storageportion storing the first identification information; a controllercausing, when the image data included in the authentication print job isbeing received by the receiving portion, the identification informationstorage portion to store the first identification information to enablethe comparison portion to perform the comparison on the authenticationprint job that is being received; and a display portion displaying, whenthe authentication print job is being received by the receiving portion,a message indicating that the comparison portion will repeat thecomparison after completion of reception of the authentication printjob.
 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a first cancellation portion canceling the repeat comparisonby the comparison portion while the display portion displays themessage.
 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second cancellation portion canceling the repeatcomparison-by the comparison portion when a predetermined time haselapsed since the receiving portion started to receive theauthentication print job.
 4. A job execution system configured toexecute an authentication print job, the authentication print job to beexecuted based on an authentication result, the job execution systemcomprising: a receiving portion receiving the authentication print jobsent by a user; an image data storage portion storing image dataincluded in the authentication print job; an accepting portion receivingfirst identification information, the first identification informationbeing inputted by the user; a comparison portion performing comparisonbetween the first identification information and second identificationinformation, the second identification information being included in theimage data stored in the image data storage portion; a job executionportion executing the authentication print job when the comparison hasshown that the first identification information matches the secondidentification information; an identification information storageportion storing the first identification information; a controllercausing, when the image data included in the authentication print job isbeing received by the receiving portion, the identification informationstorage portion to store the first identification information to enablethe comparison portion to perform the comparison on the authenticationprint job that is being received; and a display portion displaying, whenthe authentication print job is being received by the receiving portion,a message indicating that the comparison portion will repeat thecomparison after completion of reception of the authentication printjob.
 5. The job execution system according to claim 4, furthercomprising a first cancellation portion canceling the repeat comparisonby the comparison portion while the display portion displays themessage.
 6. The job execution system according to claim 4, furthercomprising a second cancellation portion canceling the repeat comparisonby the comparison portion when a predetermined time has elapsed sincethe receiving portion started to receive the authentication print job.7. A job execution method configured to execute an authentication printjob, the authentication print job to be executed based on anauthentication result, the job execution method comprising: a receivingstep of receiving the authentication print job sent by a user; anaccepting step of receiving first identification information, the firstidentification information being inputted by the user; an identificationinformation storage step of storing, when the image data included in theauthentication print job is being received, the first identificationinformation to enable comparison between the first identificationinformation and second identification information, the secondidentification information being included in stored image data includedin the authentication print job that is being received; a comparisonstep of performing the comparison between the first identificationinformation and the second identification information; an execution stepof executing the authentication print job when the comparison has shownthat the first identification information matches the secondidentification information; and a display step of displaying, when theauthentication print job is being received, a message indicating thatthe comparison will be repeated after completion of reception of theauthentication print job.
 8. The job execution method according to claim7, further comprising a first cancellation step of canceling the repeatcomparison while the message is displayed.
 9. The job execution methodaccording to claim 7, further comprising a second cancellation step ofcanceling the repeat comparison when a predetermined time has elapsedsince the receiving step of receiving the authentication print job wasstarted.